An easy walk around a high-mountain lake with peak views. Tucked into the spruce/fir forest at the base of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, this 0.6-mile loop is one of Rocky's most famous trails. Unlike other trails listed as accessible by the Park, Bear Lake is not entirely flat and is a more challenging route. As a wedding site it accommodates 2-35 people. More on the Bear Lake trail...

From Bear Lake, a level walk through forest, with Continental Divide views. More climb if you start from the Bierstadt Lake trailhead. Iconic trail to see fall Aspen gold. Trail from the Glacier Basin Park and Ride lot also joins the Bierstadt Lake trail. More on Bierstadt Lake trail...

The trail to Emerald Lake passes Nymph Lake and the north shore of Dream Lake. Below the saddle between Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain at 10,080 ft, the mountains rise steeply from the shore. Most popular destination in Bear Lake area. Start early! More on Emerald Lake trail...

Haiyaha (Indian word for "big rocks") surround this lake's shore along with ancient twisted and picturesque pine trees in rock crevices. Climb over the rocks, explore the shoreline and nearby pools. More on Lake Haiyaha trail...

A beautiful yellow lily named Nymphaea polysepala makes its home on the deep blue waters of Nymph Lake. Breathtaking views of Longs Peak and Hallett Peak. Continue on - it's not much further to beautiful Dream Lake! More on Nymph Lake trail...

Hike up through 3 climate zones, cross over Flattop Mountain, traverse the ridge supporting Tyndall Glacier, then ascend to the summit of Hallett Peak. Superb views along the way and from the summit! More on Hallett Peak trail...

A favorite hike offering river scenery, flowery meadows, stands of pine and aspen, and a serenely beautiful lake backed by mountains. Joins the Fern Lake trail at The Pool. 1 backcountry site. More on Cub Lake trail...

Cub Lake in the Winter

2.3 miles

Elev. Gain 540 ft

The Cub Lake trail begins in the willow thickets along the Big Thompson River and continues upward through stands of pine and aspen. Ice or deep snow sometimes makes the last mile difficult, and may require the use of skis or snowshoes. Combine with The Pool hike for a six mile loop by taking a connection trail beyond Cub Lake to The Pool.

A large turbulent water pocket formed below where Spruce and Fern Creeks join the Big Thompson River. Look for Arch Rocks. More on Fern Lake trail...

The Pool in the Winter

2.5 miles

Elev. Gain 245 ft

The Pool is a turbulent water pocket formed below the confluences of Spruce and Fern Creeks with the Big Thompson River. The winter route is along a gravel road, which leads to a trail at the Fern Lake Trailhead. Look for beaver-cut aspen, frozen waterfalls on the cliffs, and the Arch Rocks. Elevation of lake 8,280 ft.

Windy Gulch Cascades

1 miles

Elev. Gain 400 ft

Enjoy the rushing water of Windy Gulch Creek as it cascades to the valley below. At about .4 miles on the Fern Lake Trail, you will see a short footbridge. The main trail will bear to the left just past the footbridge. At this point, on the right-hand side, is a hidden social trail (which is not maintained/marked). Follow this into the woods, over a boulder field, then stay to the left (West) side of the creek. The cascades will be visible from the grassy area after the boulder field.

Pass the famous Arch Rock formations, The Pool, and the cascading water of Fern Falls. A gorgeous lake with views of the Continental Divide (Little Matterhorn and Notchtop Mountain). It is a heavily used area. 2 backcountry sites near the Lake, and 2 closer to the trailhead. More on Fern Lake trail...

There are two approaches to Odessa Lake, another magnificent feature of the Bear Lake region: a 4.1 mile route along the Flattop trail from Bear Lake, and a 4.5 mile route from the Fern Lake trailhead. The longer route is also steeper, but you get the pleasure of seeing Fern Creek, The Pool, Fern Falls, and Fern Lake itself along the way. 1 backcountry site. More on Odessa Lake trail...

Delightful! Alberta Falls is one of the most impressive falls in the park and along the trail you see beautiful Glacier Creek and walk along the rim of Glacier Gorge. The falls thunder and tumble down the narrow canyon. The trail continues on to famous lakes - Mills, Haiyaha, and The Loch. More on Alberta Falls trail...

The hike to the Loch is filled with mountain scenes as you pass Alberta Falls and the Glacier Knobs, then travels alongside and above Icy Brook. It's one of the most popular destinations in the park and well worth spending the day and exploring, while soaking in the majesty and serenity. More on The Loch trail...

Andrews Glacier

4.7 miles

Elev. Gain 2150 ft

Spectacular route to the Divide via Andrews Pass with views of Taylor and Powell peaks. Ascend via the south side. Take the trail to The Loch, and less than 1 mile after the Loch, follow the branch off to the right. 1 backcountry site.

A 2.2 mile continuation of the trail to Mill Lake, Black lake is surrounded by tall cliffs and dramatic peaks. Hike around the lake for lunch. At 10,260 ft snow lasts through June. 1 backcountry site. More on Black Lake trail...

Blue Lake

11 miles

Elev. Gain 1880 ft

Three quarters of a mile past Black Lake, following the inlet stream. Scramble over rock slabs - no trail. Above treeline.

Boulder Brook

3.3 miles

Elev. Gain 1000 ft

A beautiful babbling brook that tumbles from the tundra into the dark forest below Longs Peak. 2 backcountry sites.

Perched above Timberline Falls, the route to the Lake is one of the park's better kept secrets - unmarked, inconspicuous, and at first glance, unlikely. To the right of the falls and close by, scramble up ledges to this cirque lake. Be ready for wind. More on Lake of Glass trail...

Hike past Alberta Falls and The Loch to reach a cascading fall over a black granite wall - Timberline Falls. The falls are fed from the runoff of the Lake of Glass. Another .4 miles away is Sky Pond with great views of Taylor Glacier and Taylor Peak, and Powell Peak. More on Sky Pond trail...

Not particularly high or full, Timberline Falls has a delicate beauty. It's a branching fall, cascading down a black granite wall into a wide, shallow catch basin, and then draining away downhill through dozens of ankle-deep rivulets. At it's top is Lake of Glass. More on Timberline Falls trail...

Mill Creek Basin

1.6 miles

Elev. Gain 600 ft

The Mill Creek Basin trail follows Mill Creek to a brush and wildflower filled meadow where you can often see hawks hunting. You'll see lodgepole pines and aspens along the banks and views of beaver works. 2 backcountry sites.

A popular stop on a drive up Bear Lake Road with a picnic area and beautiful views of the Continental Divide. There is an easy and accessible half-mile-long trail around the lake with a fishing pier. An accessible backcountry camping site is located in the area. A good place for a short winter walk, or to try those crosscountry skis on a frozen lake. Good views of the Continental Divide. More on Sprague Lake trail...

Hike past the Arch Rock formations, The Pool, and the cascading water of Fern Falls to reach the spur trail to Spruce Lake. The stroll to the marshy shores of Spruce Lake leads through boulders left by glaciers. 1 backcountry site.

Upper Beaver Meadows in the Winter

1.5 miles

Elev. Gain 140 ft

Upper Beaver Meadows offers two hiking routes--the road which winds along the north side of Beaver Creek for two miles and a trail that leaves the dirt road on the left, just inside the barricade. The trail crosses the stream and runs along the south side of the meadow at the base of the moraine. The trail and road meet at the parking area at the west end of Beaver Meadows. You may choose to make a loop by using both the road and trail, or you may follow either route in both directions. Hiking along the trail, you may see elk bedded down among trees near the trail or along the stream.